The interior ministry on Wednesday lifted a ban on issuance of arms licenses and a notification in this regard was issued by the office of direct magistrate.
The notification of the magistrate said that the ban on issuing arms licences was being lifted in compliance with the directives of the interior ministry issued on December 26, 2017.
“NBP licenses will be issued after completion of all legal/codal formalities in the light of directions issued through a policy of interior ministry,” it read.
The magistrate’s office also issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) according to which the general public can apply for ownership of arms including a shotgun, non-automatic or semi-automatic including pump action, revolver or pistol and rifle other than the prohibited bore. A monthly quota of 100 licenses has been allotted to the public.
“The categorisation is not exhaustive and notification in this regard issued from time to time may be referred for a complete list,” the notice read, implying that more arms will be added to the NPB list.
Each applicant must submit legal documents in order to be considered. Official police verification to also be provided by the applicants, and NADRA will issue the approved arms license.
On December 6, 2017, the federal cabinet approved the lifting of a ban on the issuance of licenses for non-prohibited bore weapons.